High-Speed Rail Still Moving Ahead

The Environmental Law & Policy Center wants you to know that reports of high-speed rail funding being cut by recent efforts of Republicans in the House of Congress have been exaggerated, and that many projects will still go forward.

As we recently noted, billions were offered up to initiatives in Florida, which Governor Rick Scott rejected. These were then bounced back to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), who opened up a $2.4 billion competitive bidding program. Then came the announcement that $2.9 billion was cut from the 2011 budget, which is true.

image via Environmental Law & Policy Center

So how does this math add up? Well, the GOP-led budget cut $2.5 billion from high-speed rail efforts for this year, and $4 million from funds the DOT already had set aside, leaving $2 billion for programs which will go to shovel-ready projects that are being reviewed by the Federal Railroad Administration, including plans in states like Wisconsin, and yes, even Florida.

Aaron Colter is a freelance writer and marketing consultant in Portland, Oregon. A graduate of Purdue University, he has worked for the NCAA, Dark Horse Comics, Willamette Week, AOL, The Huffington Post, Top Shelf Productions, DigitalTrends, theMIX agency, SuicideGirls, EarthTechling, d'Errico Studios and others. He is also the co-founder of BananaStandMedia.com, a free record label, recording studio, and distribution service for independent musicians.

ObamaRail is DEAD! Good Riddance – take that money and apply it to our deficit and debt – much better return on money than paying for rail boondoggles that COST TOO MUCH, DO TOO LITTLE AND BENEFIT TOO FEW! Let’s fix our roads that 98$ of Americans use everyday. Rail is a 19th century technology in the 21st century. Progress will be in personal mobility not herding us into trains and trying to force us into dense urban areas around a rail corridor. Get rid or Rail!